Our Birthright in Christ

Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright. (Genesis 25:34)

Birthright

Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary identifies the term ‘BIRTHRIGHT’ as a right, privilege, or possession to which a person, especially the firstborn son, was entitled by birth in Bible times. In Israel, as in the rest of the ancient world, the firstborn son enjoyed a favoured position. His birthright included a double portion of his father's assets upon his death (Deut. 21:17). Part of the firstborn's benefits was a special blessing from the father (Gen. 27:27)and the privilege of leadership of the family (Gen. 43:33).

The inheritance rights of the firstborn were protected by law, so the father could not give his benefits to a younger son (Deut. 21:15–17). The firstborn himself, however, could lose the birthright. Because he committed incest with his father's concubine (Gen. 35:22), Reuben lost his favored position (1 Chron. 5:1–2), while Esau sold his birthright to his younger brother Jacob for a stew of lentils (Gen. 25:29–34), or for “one morsel of food” (Heb. 12:16).

Jesus was both the firstborn of his heavenly Father (John 3:16), and his earthly mother, Mary (Luke 2:7); so he enjoyed the rights and privileges of the Jewish birthright. All Christians are His brothers, sharing in His spiritual inheritance (Rom. 8:17). They are counted as “firstborn” by God's grace (Heb. 12:23).

Selling Your Birthright

Esau was Jacob’s elder brother. One day returning from hunting, he was hungry and tired. His brother Jacob was preparing some stew and Esau asked Jacob for a bowl. Jacob used this time to negotiate for what seems unimaginable-the family birthright. Every one in the ancient days knew the earthly value of birthright.

Then why would Esau take his birthright so lightly? It was because he did not recognize its great spiritual value. Every business day countless men and women exchange their birthrights for worldly goods, because they see what the world has to offer as more valuable than what God might offer.

This is not completely their fault. Satan has blinded the minds and hearts of men and women for centuries. He does not want them to know the tremendous fortune that awaits the child of God. Their inheritance is filled with meaning, purpose, and rewards that await them both here as well as in Heaven. For this reason, satan keeps men and women from recognizing the real value of their own godly inheritance.

Reclaim your birthright

Your role as a marketplace Christian is to be the key that unlocks this prison that keeps many in captivity. You can reveal the Truth that allows them to enter into the inheritance God desires for them. Pray that God allows you to see each unsaved person you encounter as one who needs the key you hold in your hand. Then you will add to your own inheritance laid up for you in Heaven.